Publishers with residence or an office in Trinidad and Tobago who are publishing their titles within Trinidad and Tobago now have to apply to the Trinidad and Tobago ISBN Agency for the assignment of ISBN (International Standard Book Numbers).

The National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) is now the designated ISBN Agency responsible for the administration of ISBN system in Trinidad and Tobago as of March 01, 2002.

Formerly, applications had to be made directly to the CARICOM Secretariat in Guyana, the Regional ISBN Agency. Other countries in the region with national agencies are Jamaica, Barbados and Belize.

The ISBN is a ten-digit number that uniquely identifies books and book-like products published internationally. Its purpose is to establish a title or edition from one specific publisher and is unique to that edition and format. It is used by publishers, booksellers and libraries for ordering, listing and stock control purposes.

NALIS is pleased to accept the responsibility of the issuance of the ISBN. This indeed is yet another opportunity for NALIS to serve the people of Trinidad and Tobago.